I often joke a bit and describe the Junior black belt as not indicating acceptance into a ninja clan, admittance or passing the navy seal indoctrination, becoming a professional ufc or mma fighter or being a hired killer. It does signify some basic understanding of striking, wrestling and Jiu- jitsu and does indicate some level of proficiency for a junior. It does also indicate some basic understanding of the philosophy of the school, which is exemplified in the black belt oath and student qualification code. So it promotes some higher virtues, responsibility and an improved level of maturity. It does not equate with an adult black belt. The adult black belt incorporates a more advanced curriculum and higher level, as would be expected. Adam and Ayden are both 13 years old.

The Junior black belt is an acknowledgement of where they have come from, the advancements they have made and promotes a new level of progress and growth, which is expected in the future. The goal is for them to have a greater understanding and positive expectations for their future development moving forward with confidence, gratitude, humility and some higher virtue.

MMA Vancouver

We emphasize technical development in striking, wrestling and Jiu-Jitsu for the testing and the mma sparring is given special attention for the application of the techniques. Adam and Ayden sparred 5 mma rounds for their testing, satisfied the physical requirements and demonstrated their techniques to the best of their current ability. The concept being, naturally, that their skill levels will continue to improve to their highest level, as supported on the Junior black belt oath. The goal is to develop strongly the ‘no quit’ spirit, constant improvement with the Kaizen philosophical application, and physical, mental and spiritual development to their highest level, as the ideal.